Sports Minister Surprised by Dipa Karmakar's Retirement

Sports Minister Surprised by Dipa Karmakar’s Retirement

Sports Minister Expresses Surprise at Dipa Karmakar’s Retirement

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed his surprise at Dipa Karmakar’s decision to retire from gymnastics. In a letter to the trailblazing Indian gymnast, Mandaviya conveyed his respect for her decision while acknowledging her remarkable journey in the sport.

Karmakar, 31, announced her retirement on Monday after a career that saw her become the first Indian woman gymnast to represent the country at the Olympics. She finished fourth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal by 0.15 points.

Mandaviya praised Karmakar’s achievements, including her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri honor. He highlighted her inspirational journey, which began at the age of six and saw her overcome numerous challenges.

“Your journey in gymnastics has been inspirational. You have scaled the highs in the sport and made the country proud despite facing so many difficulties,” Mandaviya wrote.

The minister also acknowledged Karmakar’s pioneering role in Indian gymnastics. “You added a new chapter in Indian gymnastics by participating in the Olympics, which was not only the outcome of our hard work but it is a great matter of pride for the entire country,” he said.

Mandaviya expressed his belief that Karmakar’s achievements have inspired countless young girls in India. “Your achievements have not only inspired those who love sports but especially our daughters, who have got the strength to fulfill their dreams,” he said.

The minister concluded by expressing his hope that Karmakar would continue to share her knowledge and experience with young athletes in the future.

Leander Paes Meets Sports Minister to Discuss India's Sports Future

Leander Paes Meets Sports Minister to Discuss India’s Sports Future

Multiple Grand Slam champion Leander Paes recently met with Union Sports Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, to share his insights on fostering a stronger sports foundation in India. Paes emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

The seven-time Olympian discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to sports development, encompassing infrastructure, coaching, and competition. He highlighted the significance of creating a conducive environment for aspiring athletes, providing them with access to world-class facilities and support.

Dr. Mandaviya expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s performance in major sporting events such as the Olympics and Paralympics. He acknowledged the need for strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Paes’s meeting with the Sports Minister underscores the growing recognition of the importance of sports in India. The government’s focus on building a robust sports ecosystem is expected to create opportunities for young athletes to excel and represent the country on the global stage.

Paes, who recently became the latest inductee into the Tennis Hall of Fame, shared his experiences and insights on what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The meeting between Paes and Dr. Mandaviya is a positive step towards strengthening India’s sports infrastructure and fostering a culture of athleticism. It is hoped that the government’s initiatives, coupled with the expertise of experienced athletes like Paes, will lead to a brighter future for Indian sports.

India to Bid for 2030 Youth Olympics, Eyes 2036 Olympics

India to Bid for 2030 Youth Olympics, Eyes 2036 Olympics

India has set its sights on hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics, a stepping stone towards its ultimate goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics. The announcement was made by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

The 2030 Youth Olympics, the fifth edition of the event, will serve as a precursor to India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are going to bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics, but our focus remains on hosting the 2036 Olympics,” Mandaviya stated.

India’s bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is part of its broader strategy to establish itself as a global sporting hub. The country has successfully hosted several major international sporting events in recent years, including the Cricket World Cups and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“Under Modiji’s leadership, we have been able to host multiple international sporting events,” added BJP president JP Nadda, who was the chief guest at the OCA General Assembly.

India will face competition from several other countries for the hosting rights of the 2030 Youth Olympics, including Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Youth Olympics, first held in 2010, are a multi-sport event for young athletes aged 15 to 18. The event aims to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while also providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.

India’s bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics is a testament to its growing stature in the global sporting arena. The country has a rich sporting history and a passionate fan base, making it an ideal candidate to host major sporting events.

Indian Paralympic Contingent Receives Grand Send-Off for Paris Games

Indian Paralympic Contingent Receives Grand Send-Off for Paris Games

Indian Paralympic Contingent Receives Grand Send-Off for Paris Games

The Indian Paralympic contingent, comprising 84 athletes across 12 disciplines, was accorded a grand send-off ceremony on Friday ahead of the Paris Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) hosted the event to honor the team’s dedication and perseverance.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded the athletes’ resilience and determination, stating, “Our para athletes have a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles and turn challenges into opportunities. They have shown remarkable determination and perseverance in their preparation for the Paris Paralympics 2024.”

Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the athletes, saying, “Many athletes have benefited from the Khelo India initiative, and a significant number from there will be going to the Paris Paralympics. The government is committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to excel at the highest level.”

PCI president Devendra Jhajharia expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in Paris, saying, “We are immensely proud of our athletes who have trained with unwavering dedication and passion. As they prepare to represent India on the world’s biggest stage in Paris, they embody the spirit of resilience and determination that defines our nation.”

A special anthem, “Macha Dhoom,” composed by renowned music directors Vivek – Abhishek, was launched during the event. Additionally, a commemorative book titled “Breaking the Barriers,” authored by Abhishek Dubey and Mahavir Rawat, was unveiled to celebrate the achievements and aspirations of the Indian Paralympic team.

The Indian contingent will be competing in archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo at the Paris Paralympics. The team hopes to build on its success at the Tokyo Paralympics, where India won 19 medals.

Indian Hockey Team to Chart Gold Medal Course with Sports Minister

Indian Hockey Team to Chart Gold Medal Course with Sports Minister

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced plans to meet with the bronze medal-winning Indian men’s hockey team before September 10th to discuss future strategies for achieving a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Mandaviya praised the team’s performance in Paris, stating, “It’s been a wonderful performance from you guys. We didn’t get the gold, but we came very close to it.” He acknowledged the team’s resilience after their semifinal loss, saying, “The way you guys inspired after the semifinal loss is commendable.”

The minister emphasized the importance of future planning, saying, “But it’s not the end of the road. I will sit with you by September 10th and churn out a future course of action so that we should return with nothing less than gold from Los Angeles.” He expressed his willingness to seek the team’s input and provide all possible government support.

Mandaviya also expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the Indian contingent in Paris, despite falling short of the medal count from the Tokyo Games. He noted that India won six medals in Paris, including five bronze and one silver, but missed out on seven more by finishing fourth.

“In Tokyo, we won seven medals, but in Paris, we won six,” he said. “But the fact is we missed out on seven more medals by finishing fourth, which is a worthy performance.”

Mandaviya had previously felicitated other members of the hockey team who returned earlier.

Russia Urges Against Paris Olympics Boycott Despite IOC Restrictions

Russia Urges Against Paris Olympics Boycott Despite IOC Restrictions

Russia’s Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin has urged against boycotting the upcoming Paris Olympics despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) restrictions on Russian athletes. The IOC suspended Russia from the 2024 Games due to the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine, but allowed Russian athletes to compete as neutrals if they do not support the war.

Matytsin emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue and participation in competitions. He acknowledged that the IOC’s stance is unlikely to soften, but stressed the need for Russian athletes to have the opportunity to compete. He noted that different international federations have varying approaches to Russian participation, with some banning it outright and others allowing it under neutral status.

Despite the ban, Matytsin believes the Olympics remain crucial for Russia. He stated that it is essential to provide athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities and demonstrate the country’s sporting prowess. He added that the decision of whether or not to participate should be left to individual athletes, as each federation has its own regulations.

Russia has previously condemned the IOC’s restrictions as discriminatory and humiliating. However, it has not yet issued a formal recommendation to its athletes regarding participation in Paris. President Vladimir Putin has also refrained from providing guidance, stating that the conditions need to be carefully analyzed.

The IOC’s restrictions include a ban on Russian and Belarusian flags and anthems, as well as a prohibition on government officials attending the Games. Athletes from these countries must also not actively support the war or be affiliated with military or security agencies.

Russia’s participation in the Olympic movement has been limited in recent years due to state-sponsored doping scandals. The country was banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics and had its participation in the 2020 Summer Olympics restricted.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart